Quantum of the Seas Onboard Activities

Overview of the Quantum of the Seas Onboard Activities

••• Quantum of the Seas North Star. Quantum of the Seas (c) Linda Garrison

The Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas cruise ship has several new exciting onboard activities for cruise lovers. Some of these are great fun for all ages, while others are best-suited for the young (or the young at heart). The ship has many activities familiar to those who have sailed with Royal Caribbean before, like the rock climbing wall and the FlowRider surfing experience. Quantum of the Seas also features a large outdoor swimming pool with video screen, covered pool, and whirlpools, all perfect for families who like to swim or sit in the sun.

The Quantum of the Seas doesn't have a long, complex, outdoor water slide like many cruise ships, but it does have many more indoor activity spaces than other ships.

This article and photos focuses on the innovative new features of the Quantum of the Seas--the North Star observation capsule, the huge SeaPlex indoor activity space, and the RipCord by iFLY skydiving experience.

Page 2 >> North Star

Page 3 >> Boarding the North...MORE Star - Close-up View of Capsule

Page 4 >> SeaPlex

Page 5 >> Bumper Cars in the SeaPlex

Page 6 >> RipCord by iFLY

Page 7 >> RipCord and FlowRider

Page 8 >> Giant Magenta Polar Bear

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02 of 08

Quantum of the Seas North Star

••• Quantum of the Seas North Star at sunset. Quantum of the Seas Courtesy of Royal Caribbean Cruises

The Quantum of the Seas North Star is a large glass capsule that takes cruise ship passengers 300 feet up into the air so they can experience amazing 360-degree views of the ship and surrounding area. The 10-minute ride is slow, smooth, and quiet, and even those who are afraid of heights can enjoy the views. Rides on the North Star are complimentary unless you want to ride at sunrise, sunset, or book the entire capsule for you and a loved one (or a group of friends).

The next photo shows the size of the North Star capsule.

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03 of 08

Boarding the North Star

••• Boarding the Quantum of the Seas North Star. Quantum of the Seas (c) Linda Garrison

The Quantum of the Seas North Star is large enough for 14 guests and an operator. The entire capsule is glass, so it provides spectacular views of the sea, ship, or the port of call. Passengers board on the top of deck 15 midship, the operator closes the door, and the capsule starts to rise, going up about 300 feet. The huge arm swings back and forth, so the capsule is suspended over the ship as well as both sides. Amazing doesn't quite capture this activity, especially on a cruise ship!

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04 of 08

SeaPlex Indoor Activity Space

••• Quantum of the Seas SeaPlex. Quantum of the Seas (c) Linda Garrison

SeaPlex is a huge indoor activity area aft on deck 15 of the Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas. This space features a full-size basketball court, roller skating, a circus school with trapeze lessons, and 30 bumper cars. The upper deck of the SeaPlex has rooms for video games, foosball, and ping pong.

Guests need to check the Daily Planner to find the times that SeaPlex features different activities. The main court is shared by the bumper cars, basketball court, skating rink, and circus school activities. However, these don't occur simultaneously!

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05 of 08

Bumper Cars in the SeaPlex

••• Bumper cars in the Quantum of the Seas SeaPlex. Quantum of the Seas Photo Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

I thought using the large court in the SeaPlex indoor activity area on the Quantum of the Seas for bumper cars was a marvelous, innovative idea. The designers of the court had to find a surface that would work for basketball, bumper cars, and roller skating, so there was a lot of testing done before a final surface was selected.

I loved driving one of the bumper cars and found it even more fun than when I was a child. It's definitely a good way to work off some stress or aggression, although those with neck or back problems might want to check with their doctor before trying the fun.

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06 of 08

RipCord by iFLY Skydiving Experience

••• RipCord by iFLY on the Quantum of the Seas. Quantum of the Seas (c) Linda Garrison

I've never had the urge to skydive, but I immediately signed up to try the RipCord by iFLY skydiving experience on the Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas cruise ship. You only "fly" about 3 feet above the floor, which is plenty for me. Plus, it's more difficult than you might think. As shown in this photo, an instructor stays with each person in the wind tunnel to help them stabilize before they "fly" on their own. The operator keeps the wind speed turned down low enough to prevent the participant from sailing off up the tunnel. Relaxing is the biggest problem, but if you are too stiff, you can't fly.

The entire RipCord experience takes about an hour, but much of the time is used for getting dressed in the jumpsuit and helmet, receiving training, and watching the others in your group "flying" in the wind tunnel while waiting your turn. Each participant gets to enjoy the skydiving experience for about two minutes, which is plenty of time to leave wanting to try it again.

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07 of 08

RipCord and FlowRider Activities

••• RipCord and FlowRider on the Quantum of the Seas. Quantum of the Seas Photo Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

One of the Royal Caribbean photographers took this great shot of the Quantum of the Seas FlowRider surfing experience with the RipCord by iFLY skydiving experience in the background. The FlowRider was not open during our winter preview sailing, but when operational, it looks much like this FlowRider on the Oasis of the Seas.

As noted on the previous slide, guests won't have the chance to fly as high as these two instructors in the glass wind tunnel are demonstrating, but the skydiving experience is memorable and great fun, even for those too chicken to do the "real" thing (like me).

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08 of 08

Giant Magenta Bear on the Quantum of the Seas

••• Giant Magenta Bear on the Quantum of the Seas. Quantum of the Seas (c) Linda Garrison

The iconic symbol of the Quantum of the Seas is this giant, magenta polar bear, which is found outdoors near the SeaPlex. This piece of artwork is 30 feet tall and weighs 8 tons. The bear, titled "From Afar", is constructed of 1,340 stainless steel triangles. I'm guessing that each of the Royal Caribbean ships in the fleet will also have a signature piece of artwork. On the Anthem of the Seas, it's a giant giraffe located on the same spot.

Although the bear is not really an onboard activity, the bear is probably the most photographed item on the Quantum of the Seas.